New Orleans appears closer to short-term rental restrictions

New Orleans officials appear to be moving closer to outlawing “whole-home” vacation rentals such as those arranged online by Airbnb.

Council members prepared Thursday to advance the latest version of a proposal to strengthen regulations on short-term rentals.

Member Kristin Gisleson Palmer unveiled the proposal late last year. It would limit short-term rental licenses in residential areas to one owner-occupied property apiece. It addresses complaints that outside investors have bought up homes for vacation rentals, driving up property values and taxes and driving out full-time residents.

Some short-term rental property owners demonstrated against the proposal outside City Hall.

Council members discussed the possibility of eventually allowing whole-home rentals in economically struggling residential areas. They are also considering ways to regulate short-term rentals in multi-unit buildings in areas zoned for businesses.